PROFILES IN MENTORING

Bob Colleary

Occupation: Writer (quasi-retired)
Years with YSF: 3
Most Recent School: Santa Monica Blvd. Community Charter
Favorite Movie: Field of Dreams
Favorite Book (or book recommendation): On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Name of your favorite teacher growing up: Dennis Murray. He was the new, "young, hip" teacher at the high school and eventually became NJ Teacher of the Year. Many years later I got to write a TV episode based on him. That was cool.
Why do you mentor? So many people have helped me in my life, this is the least I can do.
What was the last script you mentored? What was it about?"When Baliens Attack!" It was about, you know, Baliens Attacking.
Is there a moment that stands out to you in your experience as a mentor? When the kid you mentored, who has some issues, tells everybody "Young Storytellers is the best thing that ever happened to me," it really doesn't get any better than that.
What would you tell others about YSF? Do it. The pain:gain ratio is phenomenal.
How does YSF affect you, and how do you think it affects other mentors? I am perenially the oldest mentor and a parent of grown children and it's fun to be around the young'uns again. For the younger mentors, who tend to be single and in their 20s, I think for many it's their first one-on-one experience dealing with children and it's awesome how quickly they bond with "their" kid.
What advice/trick of the trade would you offer other mentors? Once you're paired with your kid, they count on you more than you realize. You don't know what they have going on at home. So show up for them, encourage them, applaud them, celebrate them. That's why you're there. That's what they need. The writing part is important, but it's only a part. The program is bigger than that. If you try it, you'll find out for yourself!

PROFILES IN MENTORING

Bob Colleary

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